Ferghana region occupies a special place in the development of the country with its resources, developed industry and infrastructure.

In the nine months of 2009, the region demonstrated a 6.1% growth of GDP, as well as a stable growth of industrial production, consumer goods production, service and other sectors, UzA reported.

This year, 2 academic lyceums and 22 professional colleges were built and 203 schools were reconstructed in Ferghana region. A total of 77,200 new workplaces were created.

The program of reconstruction and development of social infrastructure of the cities of Ferghana and Kokand in 2008-2012 is being implemented in the region.

The President visited the new building of the Ferghana branch of the Tashkent IT University, where he spoke to professors and students.

“Construction of such buildings is a practical result of the huge attention that our state pays to the young people and the educational system,” Islam Karimov said.

“The 21st century is the century of information technologies. The future belongs to the people who possess powerful intellectual potential. I am glad our children are interested in modern information technologies and communications,” he added.

The head of the state also visited the Sherzodbek farm in Akhunbabayev district, where he spoke to farmers.

Islam Karimov said farmers have become a decisive force in ensuring the prosperity of the rural areas and the country on the whole.

The President stressed the importance of the state program “The year of rural development and improvement”.

According to this program, more than 254 km of rural roads were repaired, 20.8 km of gas pipes were renewed and 25 villages were provided with drinking water this year.

After Ferghana, President Islam Karimov visited the city of Kokand.

The head of the state got acquainted with the new agricultural market built here. The architectural solution of the market has embodied modern and national traditions.

The President said special attention should be paid to creation of the modern city center in Kokand.